Search Results: psych

• One Man Band From Patrick Loisel (AUGURY) - MERFOLK Unveils Remastered EP "Demersal" with Haunting New Video "Mind Hive"

  Sep 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The enigmatic solo project Merfolk, helmed by Patrick Loisel (Augury), returns with a remastered edition of the cult 2012 EP "Demersal," accompanied by a surreal new music video for the track “Mind Hive.” Entirely conceived, performed, filmed, and edited by one man, known for his work with Augury, Kralized, and Foreshadow, Merfolk is a sonic and visual odyssey unlike anything else in the metal underground.
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  ​“Mind Hive” is the third and final video from "Demersal," a record that blends whistled melodies, vintage keyboards, and furious metal instrumentation into a ghoulish, genre-defying experience. The video, like its predecessors, features handcrafted puppets, practical effects, and a visual style that evokes the psychedelic climax of 2001: A Space Odyssey, all built and filmed solo in total darkness, often with props collapsing mid-shot.
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  ​“I built the studio, the instruments, the puppets, about 50 of them, and filmed everything myself. It was easier than trying to coordinate with someone at 3 AM when inspiration strikes,” says Patrick Loisel, aka Merfolk.

  
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  ​"Demersal" is a sonic dive into the abyss, inspired by supernatural aquatic phenomena, UFOs, and lost civilizations. The interlude “Doggerland” features a harp once owned by singer/historian Peter Pringle, while the EP’s eerie textures range from 70s manga soundtracks to black metal and free jazz. The remaster brings new clarity to its murky depths, while preserving the unsettling ambiance fans have come to love.
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  ​Merfolk’s creator, an adopted child of Native ancestry, former physics teacher, patent historian, and lifelong ecologist, has overcome degenerative arthritis through physiotherapy and weight loss, and now channels his eclectic life into music that’s as furious as it is thoughtful.
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  ​“Some people thought my drums were programmed. “I’m in my 50s, it’s not my main instrument, but I played every note,” adds Loisel.
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  The "Demersal" remaster is available now on all major platforms - https://artists.landr.com/990591563315​

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  Merfolk’s 2025 album "Sundaland" (released May 26th) promises even more ambitious storytelling, classical instrumentation, and psychedelic visuals, including a video filmed in the depths of Montreal’s Lachine Canal set for release in the coming weeks.

  "Sundaland" available at https://artists.landr.com/990591564626​
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  For fans of Emperor, Mayhem, Hollenthon, Mercyful Fate, and the weirdest corners of 70s music, Merfolk offers a blastier blast and a spookier spook—no backup tracks, no compromises, just one man and his abyss.

  More info: https://www.melogy.ca/merfolk | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553443841461

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• PsyDeathTechProg THE JUDGE THE JUROR's New Single “Heliconian Optivisor” Is Metal Alchemy At Its Finest

  Aug 15, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Edmonton, Canada’s most electrifying new metal force, The Judge The Juror (TJTJ), has dropped their blistering new single, “Heliconian Optivisor,” the first taste of their upcoming conceptual EP, "Primitive Minds," set to release in early fall 2025. This marks the beginning of an ambitious trilogy of EPs that will unfold over the next eight months, each exploring the collapse of the human condition through the band’s self-forged genre: PSYDEATHTECHPROG.
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  A mesmerizing, fast-paced assault of sonic force, “Heliconian Optivisor” dives deep into the psychological tension of viewing the world through distorted lenses, red flags we fail to see until it’s too late. The track blends blistering tech-death precision with psychedelic synths and progressive structures, reflecting the band’s desire to find authentic community without compromising identity.

  “What happens when you realize that you may have been viewing parts of your life through a lens you didn’t create? This song speaks of our human desire to find community and belonging that doesn’t come at the cost of selling our souls to fit in. This sentiment has been an ongoing discussion for the band members, as we try to carve a new, unique, and niche sound. We don’t always know where we fit into the metal scene, but we know we want to be authentic and stay true to what we believe without compromising. This balancing creates a push and pull of emotions that the musical structure of the song builds on,” says David W Frontenac (Vocals/Synth/Programming).​

  ​Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thejudgethejuror/heliconian-optivisor

  
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  The first of three conceptually linked EPs, "Primitive Minds" explores the paradox of modern humans trapped in ancient mental frameworks. Lyrically and musically, it’s a psychedelic futurist journey, equal parts brutal and introspective. TJTJ's release plans for the EPs will be Fall 2025 "Primitive Minds", early 2026 "Medieval Institutions", and mid-2026 "Godlike Technologies". Each release will build on the last, culminating in a sweeping narrative about societal collapse, technological alienation, and the search for meaning.

  In addition to unveiling the new single, The Judge The Juror will be hitting the road for an August tour in Alberta and BC with The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor. Catch them live for one of the most high-energy performances in Western Canada. Expect a barrage of increasingly weird and wonderful proggy tech-death.

  Tour Dates - The Judge The Juror w/ **The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor​
  Aug 21 - Kelowna, BC - Jackknife Brewing**
  Aug 22 - Kamloops, BC - Bridgeview Theatre** (UGEFEST)
  Aug 23 - Salmon Arm, BC - Solid Urban Studios**
  Aug 24 - Abbotsford, BC - Heavy Metal BBQ**
  Sept 13 - Red Deer, AB - The Vat
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  ​More info: https://linktr.ee/thejudgethejurorofficial

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• Z-COCOON Unveils "Dr. Crane" Off New EP "Angels" Out June 2025

  May 30, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Montreal, Canada's Z-Cocoon announces the release of their new EP "Angels" out on June 6th, 2025, via Earache Digital Distro. This third EP is the first full band release from Z-Cocoon, which was founded by Marc Zolla as a solo endeavour in 2017 under the previous moniker Pink Cocoon. Now a power trio with Michel Paradis (Drums) and John Burton (Bass), are prepared to offer electrically-charged heavy music with savage guitar jabs, rockin' blues, and hot solos.

  Fans can expect a three-track EP that is very energetic and sounds exactly like what’s recorded. The guitar solos are very bluesy yet metal-sounding, and are contrasted with catchy melodic vocals, reminiscent of DIO or Pentagram.

  "I’m a big fan of songs that have clear and loud vocals where you can sing along and understand and interpret what the song is about, not just noise and a riff," adds Zolla.

  Today, Z-Cocoon unveils the opening track and heavy bluesy single "Dr. Crane", inspired by the villain in the Batman Universe, Dr.Crane, aka The Scarecrow.

  “Dr. Crane is exactly what Z-Cocoon is all about! Heavy riffs, clean vocals, and lots of blues power! If you like poisoning people’s minds with fear, such as The Scarecrow in Batman, then here you have it. Or if you’re looking for a good heavy song to listen to while working out or doing physical work, or you wanna let loose in your speakers and relax, this is the song for you! Make sure to play it loud for the ultimate listening experience, preferably with good speakers to feel that sound and panning!” adds Zolla.

  Loud and dynamic, listen to "Dr. Crane".

  Following the "Angels" EP, Z-Cocoon will have an album worth of music and more that will be recorded and released. If you’re into the classics such as Dio, Sabbath, Deep Purple, or blues guys such as Hendrix, Trower, Stevie Ray, or just dig stoner rock/ doom metal, but looking for something a little different, then take a listen and put Z-Cocoon on LOUD!

  EP pre-save - https://earache.lnk.to/Angels​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Dr. Crane - 4:17
  2. Truth Don’t Matter - 3:42
  3. For My Life - 6:37
  Album Length: 14:36

  Band Lineup:​
  Guitar/Vocals: Marc Zolla
  Bass: John Burton
  Drums: Michel Paradis

  More info: https://linktr.ee/zcocoon

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• VULTURES AT DAWN Debut Single “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold)

  Apr 22, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Under the scorching sun of the sonic badlands, queer-fronted desert rock outfit Vultures At Dawn emerge from the shimmer with their debut single “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold); it isn't just music, it's the campfire confession of vagabonds with one eye on the horizon and one hand on their weapon. It's the sound of survival on society's edges, where victory isn't measured in gold but in living to see another blood-red sunset. The band shares their excitement:

  “‘Outlaws’ was the 2nd song that we wrote. Buck wrote the lyrics after escaping from the cops while on horseback, barely making it out alive. They wrote the song the night they got back, and turned the exhilaration of surviving into a song. It's our first publicly available song, and we have at least 5 other songs we play live, and a couple others in the process of being written.”

  Recorded within the hallowed walls of a historic church, the band infiltrated under the cover of night, “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) captures the raw, untamed spirit that has made Vultures At Dawn the soundtrack for modern-day desperados. The single sears with soulful vocals from Buck Summers, backed by the thunderous heartbeat of Raven Steel's guitar work, Sebastian Black's rumbling basslines, Dallas McCoy's haunting oboe, and the relentless percussion of Doc.

  The band, notorious for their theatrical live shows that incorporate sounds from life on the lam, continues to build their loyal following of self-described outcasts, their ‘volt’ of vultures who flock to experience the band's mystical, witchy energy and bone-rattling riffs. “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) offers passage into a world where the rules are written in sand and washed away with whiskey. It is recommended for fans of Kyuss, Black Sabbath, and Queen.

  Listen to "Outlaws" (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3EtBwfQ​

  More Info: https://www.facebook.com/VulturesAtDawn | https://www.instagram.com/vulturesatdawn

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• THE FINAL RIDE - ​The Electric Highway Festival (Calgary, AB) 2025 Goes Out With Cosmic Bang! w/ BISON, CASTLE, LA CHINGA, BUFFALO BUD BUSTER and more!

  Mar 18, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  After nearly a decade of bringing incredible music, art, and community together, The Electric Highway Festival (formerly the 420 Music & Arts Festival) is hitting the road one last time. Due to ongoing health challenges for their curators, they’ve made the difficult decision that 2025 will be the FINAL edition of the festival.

  From its roots as the 420 Music & Arts Festival, which first lit up Calgary in 2017, to the evolution into The Electric Highway, we’ve been privileged to host some of the best heavy rock, doom, and psychedelic bands from across North America. From Wo Fat to Crobot, Dopethrone to Sasquatch, we’ve hosted legends and launched careers. This festival has always been about passion, music, and unforgettable experiences, and we’re determined to go out with a Cosmic Bang!

  THE FINAL LINEUP IS HERE TO IGNITE!

  Join EHF in 2025 for a mind-blowing sendoff featuring headliners Canadian veteran sludge metal band BISON and doom metal band CASTLE. They will be joined by Southern California band FEVER DOG, and various Western Canadian bands including LA CHINGA, BUFFALO BUD BUSTER, THE GETMINES, 88 MILE TRIP, and more.

  This is your LAST CHANCE to be part of the Electric Highway experience – the final ride of a festival that has brought together music lovers, artists, and a community unlike any other. Let’s make this one for the history books!

  April 4 & 5, 2025 at Dickens (1000 9 Ave SW), Calgary AB.

  Get your tickets, gather your crew, and come celebrate with us one last time – let’s make memories that will last forever!

  Advance 2-day passes are available for $75. Advance single-day tickets are $40 for Friday and $45 for Saturday

  Festival passes and single-day tickets are available at www.theelectrichighway.ca/festivalstore/​

  Event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1149647296782460/

  The Electric Highway 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist - https://spotf.fi/ZQXtQay​

  ​The Final Full Line Up by Day:​
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  ​Friday, April 4, 2025​
  Castle (San Francisco/ Vancouver)
  Buffalo Bud Buster (Calgary)
  Blacksmith and Brewer (Vancouver))
  CHÛNK (Vancouver)
  Hydracat (Edmonton)
  The Astral Prophets (Calgary)
  BUNS (Calgary)
  Doors 5pm - Show 6pm
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  ​Saturday, April 5, 2025​
  Bison (Vancouver)
  La Chinga (Vancouver)
  Fever Dog (Southern California)
  The Getmines (Vancouver)
  88 Mile Trip (Vancouver)
  Lover (Calgary)
  GEOFF (Calgary)
  Doors 5pm - Show 6pm

  The Electric Highway Festival hosts various genres that range from Desert Rock, Stoner Metal, Doom, Sludge, Trippy Psychedelic, Surf Rock, Acid Rock, Noise Rock, Fuzz Rock, Space Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Psych, Heavy Blues, Southern Rock, Fuzzy Punk, Sludgy Hardcore bands and variations of any of the previously mentioned styles. The festival includes a vendor area with interesting goods for attendees to take home with them.

  Previous editions of the festival featured one of the event's past favorites Californian headliners Sasquatch, Juno Award-winning Canadian band ANCIIENTS, Vancouver’s La Chinga, Space Queen, Dead Quiet, and more, Gnarwhal from Yellowknife, NWT, Calgary’s Gone Cosmic, Hombre, Flashback among many more, and a whole host of other great bands.

  Live Video by SlimBzTV – ANCIIENTS at EHF 2024 – Following the Voice - https://youtu.be/v9ETpkVSASA​

  Live Video by SlimBzTV – Dead Quiet at EHF 2024 - Atoned Deaf - https://youtu.be/GDJB0RAZpC8​

  Live Video by SlimBzTv - La Chinga at EHF 2023 - Beyond The Sky - https://youtu.be/P741nkfJU7w​​
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  ​For more info:

  Website: TheElectricHighway.ca​

  Facebook: Facebook.com/ElectricHighwayFestival​

  Instagram: Instagram.com/TheElectricHighway​

  X: X.com/TheElectricHwy​
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  Hashtag #BuckleUp #EHF2025

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